Fall Syllabus

Chemistry of Life

Corresponding Chapters from Biology Textbook:
Chapter 2 – The Chemistry of Life

Section 3 – Carbon Compounds
Section 4 – Chemical Reactions and Enzymes

Enzymes catalyze reactions
Food molecules (macromolecules) break down to provide molecules for synthesis

Most cell functions involve chemical reactions. Food molecules taken into cells react to provide the chemical constituents needed to synthesize other molecules. Both breakdown and synthesis are made possible by protein catalysts, called enzymes.

Cells

Corresponding Chapters from Biology Textbook:
Chapter 7 – Cell Structure and Function

Section 1 – Life is Cellular
Section 2 – Cell Structure
Section 3 – Cell Transport
Section 4 – Homeostasis and Cells

Chapter 8 – Photosynthesis Overview

Section 1 – Energy and Life
Section 2 – Photosynthesis: An Overview

Chapter 9 – Cellular Respiration and Fermentation

Section 1 – Cellular Respiration: An Overview
Section 3 – Fermentation

Chapter 10 – Cell Growth and Division

Section 1 – Cell Growth, Division, and Reproduction
Section 2 – The Process of Cell Division
Section 3 – Regulating the Cell Cycle
Section 4 – Cell Differentiation

Cells have particular structures that underlie their functions. Every cell is surrounded by a membrane that separates it from the outside world. Inside the cell is a concentrated mixture of thousands of different molecules which form a variety of specialized structures, notably the nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, chloroplasts, and the endoplasmic reticulum. Some cells have external structures facilitating movement (cilia and flagella).

Cells grow and divide

Cells grow and divide in a cell cycle

Cell regulation allows cells to respond to their environment and to control and coordinate cell growth and division. Environmental factors can influence cell division.

Functions and chemical reactions

Cell respiration breaks down complex molecules to provide energy

The chemical bonds of food molecules contain energy. Energy is released when the bonds of food molecules are broken and new compounds with lower energy bonds are formed. Cells temporarily store this energy in phosphate bonds of a small high-energy compound called ATP.

Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis links sun energy to usable energy
Basic process of photosynthesis

Plant cells contain chloroplasts as sites of photosynthesis. Plants and many microorganisms use solar energy to combine molecules of carbon dioxide and water into complex, energy rich organic compounds and release oxygen to the environment.

Human Body

Corresponding Chapters from Biology Textbook:
Chapter 31 – Nervous System

Section 1 – The Neuron
Section 2 – The Central Nervous System
Section 3 – The Peripheral Nervous System
Section 4 – The Senses

Chapter 32 – Skeletal & Muscular Systems

Section 1 – The Skeletal System
Section 2 – The Muscular System

Chapter 34 – Endocrine System

Section 1 – The Endocrine System
Section 2 – Glands of the Endocrine System

Chapter 35 – Immune System and Disease

Section 1 – Infectious Disease
Section 2 – Defenses Against Infection
Section 3 – Fighting Infectious Disease
Section 4 - Immune System Disorders

Fall Course Syllabus

Fall Syllabus